Electives

The course aims to equip you with the skill sets you need in order to recognize financial and strategy related situations you may come across in your professional lives as advisors or managers.

You will focus on some strategic decisions made by healthy and distressed companies, particularly: capital structure, dividend policy, corporate restructuring, and bankruptcy. You will be encouraged to view these as ''real life'' situations. The course includes a presentation and discussion of the concepts but also a set of case studies. In order to extract the greatest value, you will be required to prepare and discuss the cases in class. The lecturer reserves the right to mark you down if you are repeatedly not contributing in class.

Learning outcomes

• Understand deal mechanics and structuring issues
• Understand the impact of financial decisions on corporate strategy
• Apply valuation skills
• Apply tools learnt in class in real life conditions
• Cover major ethical values and attitudes underlying major corporate finance decision making.

To make intelligent strategic decisions, executives need to understand a wide range of factors and access knowledge that is often difficult to find. This course provides you with the models that will help you to formulate and execute strategy in industries that are rapidly transforming.

The course also focuses on the interface between strategy and finance and their interplay in strategic decision making.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the most advanced models that can help in formulating and executing strategy in industries that are rapidly transforming
• Be introduced to the interface between strategy and finance and their interplay in strategic decision making.

This module aims to bring investment management and strategic level asset allocation into real life, encouraging you to rehearse skills that will be important in your future careers

The course aims to bring financial theory and investment practice together. It aims to engage you in discussion about the fundamental concepts of traditional finance and challenge this against the observed behaviour of investors.

It will explore and educate you in both how and why, in practice, different investment funds and approaches are put together and illustrate why investors should critically analyse and understand their own needs before setting their investment strategy

Learning outcomes

• Differentiate types of investors and their investment criteria
• Understand different investment strategies and approaches
• Have an understanding of both major and alternative asset classes
• Understand the key aspects of the most widely used financial theories as they relate to investment management
• Understand the key aspects of asset allocation through passive and proactive stock selection, and methodologies relating thereto
• Become well prepared to enter the investment management industry
• Consider the social and financial costs and benefits of financial decisions.

The elective will equip you with a basic working knowledge of the most important aspects of real estate as an investment asset. For those who intend to work in general business and finance, it provides the basis to understand the real estate issues they are likely to encounter. For those who intend to specialise in real estate as investors, fund managers or lenders, the elective will serve as the foundation for further development.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand how cash flows are generated by market movements and lease contracts, how risk premia for real estate are set, and how appraisals determine estimated market values for investments and development projects
• Argue the standard case for real estate investment, and critically assess the methods used to set target allocations.
• Assess the information produced by market analysts, and to take informed judgements on the investment prospects of different markets
• Make an informed choice between direct and indirect, unlisted and listed real estate vehicles
• Students will be able to apply mainstream finance concepts of to the valuation of real estate assets, and the evaluation of risk and expected return in real estate portfolios
• Without aiming to influence your fundamental beliefs about right and wrong, you will expectedly:
  • Become more objective and less emotional in your investment advice and decisions
  • Understand the causes of excessive exuberance and pessimism in others.

The module aims to provide knowledge and practical tools for the management of innovation and entrepreneurship, which are crucial organisational processes bringing new products, services and technology from a mind or a lab to the market.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are multidisciplinary activities involving strategy, R&D, marketing and project management. In practice, managers face a number of complex issues simultaneously.

The specific educational objectives of this course are:

• To illustrate to candidates with technical orientation, issues related to the management of Research and Development
• To demonstrate to candidates with top management aspirations, issues related to the development of an innovation strategy and to the design of an innovative organisation
• To demonstrate to candidates with entrepreneurial aspirations, issues related to the creation of a company around an innovative product
• To demonstrate to candidates with marketing aspirations, issues regarding the marketing side of product development, such as identification of customers’ needs and design of the launch campaign.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the new product development process
• Have a good feel for technology management
• Understand the distinguishing characteristics of innovative organisations (regarding external communications, leadership, strategy, creativity and structure)
• Be introduced to issues regarding the launch and the post-launch marketing campaign supporting new products and services
• Understand how to launch and to finance a high-growth innovative business.

This module aims to introduce you to the fundamentals of Islamic banking, finance and insurance industry. It focuses on making a case for Islamic finance industry and its development as a viable alternative financial system.

Learning outcomes

• Understand  the theoretical basis and underlying concepts of Islamic banking, finance and Insurance
• Understand the origin, history, and current status of Islamic banking and finance industry
• Understand key Islamic financial principles and the core contracts
• Understand Islamic Capital Market Products
• Understand Islamic Insurance (Takaful)
• Understand issues in regulation and governance of Islamic financial institutions
• Show appreciation for the potential and future growth of Islamic Financial institutions.

The purpose of this elective would be to extend the learning from the core strategy courses into the area of managing strategic change. Strategists need to have skills in both formulating and implementing strategies.  For planned strategies to become a reality, rather than dusty reports on shelves, strategists need to be able to link strategic thinking through to action. The core courses focus primarily on analytical skills associated with formulation and less on strategic action. With its focus on managing strategic change, the purpose of this elective is to give you an overview of different theories on strategic change, but also to introduce you to some practical frameworks that can be applied in organisations to translate strategies into action and deliver strategic change.

This elective aims to give you both a theoretical and practical understanding of the issues involved in managing strategic change. In particular it emphasises the need for the use of context sensitive approaches to change in organisations. By the end of the elective you should be capable of putting your theoretical knowledge into practice within an organisation.

Learning outcomes

• An appreciation of the different theories on strategic change
• An understanding of tools and frameworks that can help with the design of context sensitive change
• Knowledge of how to link strategic thinking through to strategic action to help deliver change
• An appreciation of the need for context sensitive approaches to strategic change
• An appreciation of the issues facing change agents when managing complex change
• An understanding of the issues involved in managing / leading transitions.

The aim of the course is to familiarise you with various aspects of M&A in order to be able to understand the role of M&A in the life of a corporation, how to apply valuation techniques learned elsewhere, to be familiar with the various techniques used in the different stages of a merger or an acquisition (including post-merger issues) and to understand the alternatives to M&A.  This is a multidisciplinary course that takes a general management and strategic approach to M&A, but necessarily incorporates the financial, organisational / individual behaviour and legal / regulatory aspects of M&A as well.

The principal learning outcome is for you to become comfortable, if not fluent, in the topic of Mergers & Acquisitions.  You should complete the course with not only an understanding of the blend of strategic and financial concepts applied to M&A, but more importantly a full recognition of the impact on organisations and people of corporate restructurings.

Learning outcomes

Gain knowledge and understanding of the following topics:

• Why so many acquisitions fail: value creation and value destruction
• Different negotiating techniques and bidding strategies
• Commonly used takeover defences and tactics
• Deal valuation and financing
• Challenges created by lack of information, contradictory or suspect information, time constraints and cross-border deals
• M&A regulatory and tax environment in the UK and Europe
• Role of company management and outside advisors
• Post-merger integration and other impacts of the M&A process
• Post-merger audit and organisational learning.

Private Equity is already regarded as a mainstream discipline within the investment community in North America, and is rapidly becoming so in Europe. However, it is radically different from other asset classes studied at Masters level (for example, bonds and quoted equity markets) and requires very different skills and disciplines, a knowledge of which will be essential to tomorrow’s investors.

To impart a thorough understanding of how private equity functions as an asset class, it is important to understand the different sub-classes which it contains, how its returns are earned, and how these may be measured and analysed.

Learning outcomes

• Use an Excel LBO model and analyse buyout returns, including the inputs required for the valuation and sources & uses of funds
• Follow a model analysing venture returns
• Thoroughly understand the drivers of returns in the different private equity transactions
• Understand the different types of debt that might be raised in a leveraged buyout, including their different levels of seniority
• Segment PE funds by size, sector, stage and geography
• plan and implement a PE fund programme
• Recognise the main processes used in the PE industry
• Consider the ethical implications of the PE model.

This very lively and practical elective is essential for all MBAs planning a career in marketing, sales, consultancy or business systems.

1. Understand the business and marketing theories that underpin CRM
2. Can demonstrate how the selection of different CRM systems will both support and shape different customer- focussed strategies
3. Know the leading types of CRM systems available and understand the critical differences between them
4. Recognise the factors that determine successful implementation of CRM programmes.

Learning outcomes

• Make choices on the use of internal and external CRM services
• Apply relevant concepts to own career development
• Know how to structure and lead an CRM project or programme.

This 5-day immersive tour aims to expose students to the most famous entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in the world – Silicon Valley. This is where the “innovation – venture capital – startup” engine that created powerhouses like Apple, Cisco, Facebook, Google, and Intel began. Every day, groundbreaking companies such as PayPal, Netflix, Uber, Tesla, and Airbnb are challenging the status quo, transforming age-old industries, and changing our lives in profound ways.

You will observe first-hand the Silicon Valley high tech industry and learn how entrepreneurs generate new ideas, assemble teams, start their ventures, raise funding, and scale up. Through a combination of company visits, hands-on workshops, lectures by faculty, founders, investors and business leaders, and field research, you will acquire a deep and critical understanding of the opportunities and challenges that an entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem offers to established companies as well as startups.

On this course you will have the opportunity to study strategy and technology entrepreneurship in the context of digital transformation. This is compulsory for all students interested in attending the Digital Strategy in Action international elective in Silicon Valley.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the links between strategy, organisation, capabilities and digital transformations
• Develop convictions and scenarios on the psychological, sociological, economic and business impact of the on-going digital transformations;
• Critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the traditional strategy and entrepreneurship tools;
• Understand transformational patterns and best practices.

The aim of the Bayes MBA international electives is to give you practical insights into how businesses operate within cultural, economic and regulatory environments that are very different from those in North America and Western Europe.

The UAE International elective looks at economic development and brand-building in the UAE, the achievements of state-sponsored and private initiatives in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the challenges that currently arise in these states, and in the broader MENA region, from the slowdown in global growth, the volatility in oil prices, and from the increasing openness and internationalisation of historically conservative societies.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the long term challenges for business and policymakers that economic development and internationalisation have brought to the Gulf and MENA region.
• Understand the impact of current global economic developments, the oil market, and political change, on specific sectors in the Gulf and MENA region.
• Understand the processes by which businesses can set up and operate within the Gulf and MENA region, and use this knowledge to inform decision-making within the students own organisations.#
• Adapt and apply standard models of business development, entrepreneurship, marketing and human resource management to the MENA Region.
• Show sensitivity to cultural and political differences between the Gulf and Western societies, challenges of human development within the Emirati workforce.

The aim of Bayes MBA international electives is to give you practical insights into how businesses operate within a cultural, economic and regulatory environment.

The Bayes MBA London Symposium is an elective looking at the economic drivers of London as a commercial hub and its influence in international business.

The elective will use Bayes’ unique location and network to create insights into how business is conducted and impacts the UK, European and global economy.

Learning outcomes

• Have an understanding of the drivers of the London economy and its significance within international business context
• Know how businesses succeed within London within a variety of sectors and use this knowledge to inform decision-making within the students own organisations
• Reflect upon the economic environment that supports business succes
• Applying and adapting standard models of business development within London
• Network within the London commercial environment
• Show sensitivity and understanding of the multicultural features of business and commerce within London.

This module enhances the international dimension of the MBA programme. It is a sister course and builds upon the success of the China International Study Tour. It follows the same format but topics covered will reflect issues relevant to the South African sub-continent.

The International Symposium will provide an opportunity for you to learn about the management, finance and cultural issues facing businesses within a geographical location. The course will pull together the theoretical learning of the core and elective courses into the business environment.

The aims of the course are to provide examples of how business operates within different cultures, the regulations and issues facing start ups as well as the broader socio-economic issues.

Specifically the South African Symposium will focus on how organisations have managed change in this increasingly complex and highly diverse business and cultural environment. Key issues highlighted will include the challenges of managing political transformation, improving the quality of service delivery, internationalizing businesses, making positive contributions to job creation, and combating the pandemic of HIV/AIDS.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the issues facing business within the geographic region. The course will explore different business sectors such as professional services, financial services, international business, manufacturing and support services. You will also be able to develop knowledge of the socio-economic issues facing businesses within the geographical region.
• Understand the underlying reasons for success and failure of companies within the region
• Understand the socio-economic issues facing regional economies
• Investigate the importance of specific industries to the region and how they will perform in the future.

The aim of the Bayes MBA international electives is to give you practical insights into how businesses operate within cultural, economic and regulatory environments that are very different from those in North America and Western Europe.

The Bayes Business School MBA Study Tour to China will focus on the outlook for China with its burgeoning economy, the impact its growth will have on business and the ways in which companies, large and small, have made the most or can make the most, out of the huge market potential it has to offer. The key learning objective is to develop a better understanding of China and its business environment with the companies’ focus on excellence and to apply the learning outcomes of the core MBA courses and the electives to a specific international context.

Learning outcomes

• Assess the institutional, political, social and cultural dynamic of doing business in China
• Recognise the importance of China in global business terms and how Chinese companies envision and achieve excellence
• Demonstrate further international business experience as well as excellence in execution
• Show sensitivity to cultural and political differences in China.

This elective will allow you to apply your knowledge in several of the core MBA subjects to a number of strategic, financial, operational and marketing challenges. You will be able to study and investigate the various operating models of many different kinds of organisations in entertainment sector including global resorts, and entrepreneurs with a variety or corporate structures and financial backing.

You will be able to study the location’s marketing and branding and the ways in which competitors seek to differentiate through value, service and operating propositions, strategies and segments.

You will undertake the evaluation of brand identity, brand experience and brand equity in their assessment of strategic marketing effectiveness as different strategic, operational and marketing choices made by resort operators to deliver customer value and organisational performance.

Learning outcomes

• Witness the application of the principles of strategic marketing to business practice
• Understand and make use of relevant marketing metrics
• Reflect upon the role of technology in service management
• Interpret and understand operating environments link to strategy
• Apply the techniques of customer data collection to real business challenges
• Become aware of issues of corporate social responsibility, ethics and sustainability
• Understand the impact of global demographic shifts.

The aims of the module are to challenges deep assumptions about the sources and nature of technological innovation, with emphasis on social needs as key drivers, and to expose you to vibrant yet very different Tech for Good environments in London and Sub-Saharan Africa.

As part of this immersive journey, you will have the opportunity to conduct field research on designated themes to use in your syndicate assignments. You will be encouraged to reflect on the role of technology as a driver of social change as well as on the role of new business models that can foster economic growth and shared value creation across developed and developing countries.

Learning outcomes

• Explain the nature and characteristics of digital social innovation, the challenges, and interfaces with sources of structured support within innovation ecosystems, and the impact of different technological solutions on the ground.
• Gain insight into modes of Tech for Good development
• Appreciate the drivers of innovation in an emerging market context
• Contextualise and apply knowledge gained to your working practices in a challenging business environment.

This intensive tour is designed to immerse students in an area of the world facing radical changes. It will offer a rare opportunity to witness the rebirth of what was a flourishing economy before the 1959 Revolution and the subsequent embargo imposed by the USA and other countries in the world.

The program includes field trips, visits and lectures by Cuban and other Faculty economists, subject matter experts, industry leaders and political officials. Students will explore a number of topics including: Cuban current affairs; Cuban regulation of foreign investment and business activities; the Cuban economy and reforms; as well as the direct experience of what sustainability and social impact mean for that particular zone of the world.

Learning outcomes

• Learn about the institutional, political, socio-economic and business environment in Cuba;
• Gain cross-cultural experience: you will experience ways of doing business from within an emerging market economy
• Understand the challenges facing business within that geographic region
• Apply MBA learning and skills to international business issues
• Critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the Cuban economy and identify threats and opportunities
• Understand the challenges and opportunities that arise from integrating sustainability into business strategies.

This module is the integrating element of the MBA core teaching, bringing together the theoretical elements of the course so far in a practical experience, enabling you to draw out the principles from the core modules. You will be asked to apply your classroom learning to some very demanding problems often in a challenging business consultancy environment.

Consultancy is undertaken to bring added value to the client and the temporary nature of the field trip projects stands in contrast with class room teaching and as such requires the development of distinct research skills, organisation and interpersonal skills.

Learning outcomes

• Apply your MBA learning to the real business development issue of SMEs
• Observe and reflect on your knowledge, experience, and the data and knowledge you gain from your project company in order to respond to question(s) or tasks as set by the company.
• Provide an integrative and holistic solution to the problem you will be drawing on various disciplines and demonstrating knowledge gained from all core MBA courses (i.e. Finance, Accounting, Strategy, Marketing, OM, OB and HRM.) You will be able to examine and analyse this knowledge by identifying major principles and connections both in theory and management practice in order to provide a practical solution to the clients.
• Understand cultural differences in business and management you will be able to demonstrate comprehension and understanding of different cultural and institutional contexts and how they may affect different aspects of management and business development.

You will be asked to apply your classroom learning and professional experience to very demanding problems of start up during a challenging consultancy project in Latin America.

The Latin American and Caribbean region has become a breeding ground for new businesses led by young people (for example Chile has been named the globe's most entrepreneurial nation, according to a new benchmark, ahead of major economies such as India and the United States).

Your consultancy is undertaken to bring added value to the start–up client in terms of:

• key market research
• how to market new services and products
• develop business structure basics
• business planning.

During this process you will have a chance to test the applicability of, and adapt, all models/techniques, frameworks of management and business in a new economic and cultural environment of Latin America countries.

Learning Outcomes:

• Apply your MBA learning to the real business development issue of a start-up business in Latin America
• Provide an integrative and holistic solution to the development of a start-up. You will be able to examine and analyse this knowledge by identifying major principles and connections both in theory and management practice in order to provide practical advice to clients
• Demonstrate comprehension and understanding of different cultural and institutional contexts and how they may affect different aspects of business development.